Emergency alerts
Mechanicsburg | Messiah Lifeways

Mechanicsburg | Messiah Lifeways

Since 2011, U-GRO has served as the daycare and preschool operator for Messiah Lifeways at Messiah Village, a continuing care retirement community in Mechanicsburg. Our curriculum includes an intergenerational program with “grandfriends," which combines their talents and life skills in daily and special events. Conveniently located off Route 15, this facility makes it easy to serve the needs of employee families as well as our surrounding communities.

100 Mt. Allen Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

(717) 796-8157

Monday through Friday
6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Take Virtual Tour
View Map Get Directions

100 Mt. Allen Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

(717) 796-8157

Monday through Friday
6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

With a bachelor’s degree in human development & family science and over 6 years of experience, Alex joined the U-GRO family in 2017. Prior to becoming a director, Alex spent time as a toddler and Pre-K teacher as well as serving as an assistant director. "I wholeheartedly believe in the value of a positive preschool experience and treasure every creative, compassionate, and chaotic moment in the adventures of early childhood education! Our staff are consistently finding new ways to educate our children in a fun and exciting way, while incorporating Spanish, sign-language, and our grandfriends!"
With a bachelor’s degree in human development & family science and over 6 years of experience, Alex joined the U-GRO family in 2017. Prior to becoming a director, Alex spent time as a toddler and Pre-K teacher as well as serving as an assistant director. "I wholeheartedly believe in the value of a positive preschool experience and treasure every creative, compassionate, and chaotic moment in the adventures of early childhood education! Our staff are consistently finding new ways to educate our children in a fun and exciting way, while incorporating Spanish, sign-language, and our grandfriends!"

Curriculum

We offer full- and part-time programs for children 6 weeks to 6 years old, two to five days a week. All educational and childcare programs are conducted in age-appropriate classes that promote small class sizes.

Center Features

  • 8 classrooms with cozy atmosphere
  • Life Skills programs
  • Intergenerational programming with Messiah Lifeways residents
  • Secure and separate infant & toddler and preschool outdoor gross motor spaces
  • Secure access and sign-in system
  • 2017 Harrisburg Magazine Readers’ Choice Winner Best Childcare!
Request Info Schedule Visit

Location Reviews

June 25, 2019
A.H.
Mechanicsburg, PA
The teachers provide a great learning experience for my daughter and truly care for her. I love receiving updates throughout the day with pictures and descriptions of what the kids are doing.
Report a concern
June 24, 2019
G.G.
Dillsburg, PA
Everyone is so sweet and caring! I feel so good leaving my baby in the care of the individuals at Ugro. I love how much they learn and do everyday even as infants!
Report a concern
June 18, 2019
Kathleen Osborne
Mechanicsburg, PA
Love how friendly all of the staff is and they really took the time to get to know my daughter. There is such a variety of activities and learning experiences for the kids. I also love the kid report updates to see what my daughter was up to through out the day!
Report a concern
June 12, 2019
Gillian Kaminski
Mechanicsburg, PA
I like that the childcare facility is well-maintained, as well as its incorporation with Messiah Lifeways. The staff is is all pleasant and loving to the children, which gives me comfort during the day away from my daughter.
Report a concern
June 4, 2019
Dayna Davis
Mechanicsburg, PA
We have loved our time at U-Gro. The facilities are welcoming and engage learning and the Messiah Lifeways U-Gro staff and warm, welcoming and so loving to our kids. They truly put my mind at ease each day knowing my kids are safe and loved. -Dayna Davis
Report a concern
June 4, 2019
J.C.
Mechanicsburg, PA
Last evening my 18 month old daughter said AND signed please, without being prompted. I credit this to the hard work and love of her teachers. I feel so at peace dropping my daughter off at U-GRO every morning. As much as I'd love to be home with her everyday, I know she's learning far more than I could ever teach her. The structured learning environment, social interactions and fun she has everyday are all building blocks, setting my daughter up for great success in her future. I couldn't be more please with our experience at U-GRO.
Report a concern
June 4, 2019
M.C.
Boiling Springs, PA
The staff at U-Gro are kind, considerate, nurturing and create a wonderful environment for the kids. Daily activities are well planned out, and keep the kids active and engaged. If I ever call with a question the center either answers the phone or promptly calls me back. We are very pleased with U-gro at Messiah and feel fortunate that our children have such a great place to go!
Report a concern
June 4, 2019
Deepthi Yanam
Mechanicsburg, PA
I love the flexibility it provides for parents with dropping and picking.Had tough time with other daycares:)
Report a concern
June 4, 2019
Amber Renard
Mechanicsburg, PA
Our experience at U-GRO has been positive from the moment we visited. Our child is happy and thriving in the environment. She adores her friends and her amazing teachers! We are grateful to have such a wonderful place outside of our family where our daughter is able to learn and grow and have loads of fun!
Report a concern
June 3, 2019
Erin Merichko
Dillsburg, PA
The curriculum provides a great foundation for preschoolers and the teachers and director are very invested in helping each child learn and grow!
Report a concern

Daily Schedule

  • Preschool
  • Toddler
Open-9:00 a.m.

Arrival (Breakfast until 8:00 a.m.)
Free Choice Learning Play
Art Experience

9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Together Time: Morning Meeting, Language Experience
Story time
AM Snack
Learning Stations
Outside Play
Together Time: Letter of the Week Activity
Music and Movement

11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Lunch

12:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m.

Songs and Finger Plays
Story Time

12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

    Nap Time

2:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m.

    Wake Up
    PM Snack
    Outside Play
    Together Time: Theme or Project Activity

4:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

    Free Choice and Small Group Activities
    Story time
    Teacher Directed Activity
    Songs and Finger Plays

5:30 p.m.-Close

    Table Activities

Open-9:30 a.m.

Arrival (Breakfast until 8:00 a.m.)
Free Choice Learning Play
Diapering/Pottying (every 2 hours)
Art Experience
Readiness Skills Activity
Together Time: Language Experience, Songs & Finger Plays
Story Time

9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

AM Snack
Diapering/Pottying (every 2 hours)
Free Choice and Small Group Activities
Outside Play or Walk
Together Time: Theme Related Activity
Music and Movement

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Lunch
Diapering/Pottying (every 2 hours)
Story Time
Nap Time

2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

    Wake Up
    Diapering/Pottying (every 2 hours)
    PM Snack
    Outside Play or Walk
    Together Time: Math Concept Activity

4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

    Free Choice and Small Group Activities
    Diapering/Pottying (every 2 hours)
    Teacher Directed Activity
    Songs and Fingerplays
    Story Time

5:30 p.m.-Close

    Table Activities

Take Virtual TourGet Directions